Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
JANUARY 17, 2024
Subject
SUBJECT: MEASURE R MULTIMODAL HIGHWAY SUBREGIONAL PROGRAMS UPDATE
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. APPROVING $23,898,269 in additional programming within the capacity of Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Programs and funding changes via the updated project list shown in Attachment A, projects within this Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Program are inclusive of traffic signal, pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and roadway improvements.
B. APPROVING the deobligation of $1,200,000 in previously approved Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Program funds for re-allocation to other existing Board-approved Measure R projects as shown in Attachment A; and
C. DELEGATING the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or their designee the authority to administratively extend funding agreement lapse dates for the Measure R I-5 North Mitigation Projects Funding Agreements to meet environmental, design, right-of-way, and construction time frames; and
D. AUTHORIZING the CEO or their designee to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements for Board-approved projects.
Issue
ISSUE
The Measure R Multimodal Subregional Programs update allows Metro staff and each lead agency to revise project priorities and amend budgets for implementation of the Measure R Multimodal subregional projects. In June 2021, the Board approved Modernizing the Metro Highway Program (Item No. 17), expanding funding eligibility for active transportation and complete streets projects within Measure R and Measure M guidelines. In addition, Complete Streets Policy implementation action 6.1 implemented the use of a complete streets project initiation checklist to ensure local jurisdictions have considered multimodal elements in their projects. Metro staff work with local jurisdictions on the inclusion of multimodal elements.
The attached updated project list includes projects that have received prior Board approval and proposed changes related to schedules, scope, and funding allocations for existing projects (Attachment A). The Board’s approval is required as the updated project list serves as the basis for Metro to enter into agreements with the respective implementing agencies.
This update also seeks the CEO’s or designee’s administrative authority to amend Measure R I-5 North Mitigation projects funding agreements to extend lapse dates.
Background
BACKGROUND
Per the Measure R Expenditure Plan; I-5/SR-14 Capacity Enhancements, (Lines 26), Arroyo Verdugo Subregion (Line 31), Las Virgenes/Malibu Subregion (Line 32), South Bay Subregion (Line 33), I-710 South and/or Early Action Projects (Line 37) and SR-138 Capacity Enhancements (Line 38) allocate funds for multimodal highway operational improvement subfund programs. Metro staff lead the implementation and development of muti-jurisdictional and regionally significant highway and arterial projects. Staff also lead projects on behalf of local jurisdictions at their request or assist in developing projects with these subfunds.
Additionally, the Compete Streets and Highways staff manage grants in the Arroyo Verdugo, Las Virgenes Malibu, Gateway, North Los Angeles County, and South Bay subregions to fund transportation improvements developed and prioritized locally.
Local jurisdictions prioritize and develop projects that are within the eligibility for both Measure R and Measure M program criteria. Metro staff work with cities, subregions, and grant recipients to review projects for eligibility and compliance with the Board-adopted policies outlined in Metro’s Complete Streets Policy, Active Transportation Strategic Plan, and First/Last Mile Strategic Plan. Projects are also further evaluated to ensure that projects aim to reduce congestion, resolve operational deficiencies, improve safety, and incorporate multimodal investments.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The Measure R Expenditure Plan provides subregional funding for the implementation of multimodal highway capital projects. The Measure R Expenditure Plan does not individually identify multimodal highway capital projects; rather, local jurisdictions within the subregions identify projects that require Metro staff to validate and approve for funding. Metro staff confirm project eligibility, reconfirm project funding eligibility to projects that request scope changes, and establish a project nexus to the project eligibility criteria. Through this evaluation period, staff will work with local jurisdictions to refine and be inclusive of multimodal elements into a project before being included in Attachment A for Board approval. Projects within this Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Program are inclusive of traffic signal, pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and roadway improvements.
The changes in this update include $23,898,269 in additional programming for projects in the Arroyo Verdugo, Las Virgenes Malibu, Gateway, and North Los Angeles County subregions as detailed in Attachment A, in addition to the deobligation of $1,200,000. A nexus determination with the eligibility requirements for Measure R has been completed for each new project.
This report also seeks the CEO’s or designee’s administrative authority to amend Measure R I-5 North Mitigation projects funding agreements to extend lapse dates to meet environmental, design, right-of-way (ROW), and construction timeframes. Line 28 of the Measure R Expenditure Plan funded the I-5 North HOV Enhancements from SR-134 to SR-170. On October 23, 2014, the Board authorized the CEO to enter into funding agreements with the cities of Los Angeles, Glendale, and Burbank and with the Bob Hope Airport (Item No. 53) to implement mitigation projects. To date, most of the projects are complete, and a few of the projects require time extension amendments to extend funding agreement lapse dates to complete the projects.
Arroyo Verdugo Operational Improvements
A total of $125,979,800 has been programmed for projects in the subregion. This update includes funding adjustments for four existing projects,
Burbank
Program an additional $800,000 for MR310.46 - Glenoaks Boulevard Arterial and First Street Signal Improvements. The project is currently in the construction phase. The construction cost estimate for the project was updated and requires the additional programming of $800,000 to match the cost estimate of $6,000,000 to incorporate traffic signal upgrades and signal improvements at 14 existing traffic signals. Existing obsolete equipment will be replaced, including traffic signal poles, safety lighting, indications, signal wiring, vehicle detectors, and pedestrian push buttons.
Glendale
Program an additional $4,000,000 for MR310.43 - Verdugo Road Traffic Signal Modifications. The project is currently in the design phase. The construction cost estimate will be revised to $5,650,000 to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle multimodal improvements.
Program an additional $4,000,000 for MR310.65 - North Verdugo Road Improvements (Signal, Ped, Transit). The project is currently in the design phase. The revised construction cost project budget is $9,000,000. Additional funds are being programmed to implement pedestrian, bicycle, and transit multimodal improvements.
Los Angeles County
Program an additional $164,857 for MR310.44 - Soundwalls on I-210 in La Crescenta-Montrose. The project completed the environmental phase and will be initiating the design phase. The revised project budget is $3,208,857. Funds are being programmed to match the current ROW and design cost estimates for the project. Additionally, funds are being reprogrammed as follows: $2,567,086 in FY24-25 and $641,771 in FY25-26. Funds are being reprogrammed to match project schedule timeframes.
Las Virgenes Malibu Operational Improvements
A total of $173,667,900 has been programmed for projects in the subregion. This update includes funding adjustments for two existing projects.
Malibu
Program an additional $1,200,000 for MR311.11 - PCH Signal Improvements from John Tyler Drive to Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The project is currently in the construction phase. The construction cost estimate for the project was updated and requires the additional programming of $1,200,000 to match the cost estimate of $15,800,000. The project will upgrade and interconnect the highway intersections and traffic signals to facilitate signal timing and manage traffic flow.
Deobligate $1,200,000 from MR311.26 - Pacific Coast Highway Raised Median and Channelization from John Tyler to Puerco Canyon Road (previously known as the PCH - Raised Median and Channelization from Webb Way to Puerco Canyon Road project). The revised project budget is $5,750,000. The project is initiating the construction phase. Funds are being deobligated due to revised project limits and to fund a higher-priority transportation improvement (MR311.11).
Gateway Cities I-605 Corridor “Hot Spots” Interchange Improvements.
A total of $421,958,900 has been programmed for projects in the subregion. This update includes funding adjustments for one project and a scope change for one project.
Los Angeles County
Scope change for MR315.07 - Mulberry Drive and Painter Avenue Intersection Improvements. The project is currently in the design phase. The project will remove turn lane storage pockets from its scope of work to remain within budget due to cost increases and ROW issues.
Norwalk
Reprogram $3,031,975 for MR315.43 - Imperial Highway Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Project, from San Gabriel River to Shoemaker Road. The project is currently in the final design phase. The funds are being reprogrammed as follows: $3,020,00 in FY24-25 and $11,975 in FY25-26. The project budget remains unchanged at $3,380,400. The project consists of ITS improvements to traffic flow. Funds are being reprogrammed to match current design and construction timeframes. .
Gateway Cities I-710 South Early Action Projects
A total of $321,311,600 has been programmed for projects in the subregion. This update includes funding adjustments for four projects.
Metro
Program an additional $5,857,895 for PS4340-1939 - I-710 Corridor Project Task Force/Mobility Investment Plan Development (renamed Long Beach-East Los Angeles Corridor Mobility Investment Plan). The revised project budget is $12,139,895. Funds are being programmed to complete the Investment Plan per a Board motion made in May 2021 by Directors Solis, Sandoval, Butts, and Garcetti.
Program an additional $102,367 for Long Beach-East Los Angeles Investment Plan Outreach Efforts. The revised project budget is $952,367. Funds are being programmed to cover a higher level of effort for the supplemental outreach contract per a Board motion made in May 2021 by Directors Solis, Sandoval, Butts, and Garcetti.
Program an additional $2,000,000 for MR306.59 - Imperial Highway Corridor Capacity Enhancements. The project is in the construction phase and will consist of roadway widening at the intersections that will provide for left and right turn lanes, equipment upgrades, and signal synchronization. The revised project budget is $5,965,000. Funds are being programmed to complete construction.
Maywood
Program an additional $6,973,150 for MR306.56 - Slauson-Atlantic Congestion Relief. The project is currently in the design phase. The project will implement roadway widening at the intersections to provide left-turn lanes, equipment upgrades, and signal synchronization. The revised project budget is $7,418,150. Funds are being programmed to complete ROW and construction.
Bell Gardens
Program $3,716,000 for MR306.65 - Clara Street Corridor Improvement Project to improve traffic safety conditions. This is a new project that will improve various intersections with signal synchronization and dedicated left and right turn lanes. The program amount of $3,716,000 will be utilized for PID, PAED, PS&E, ROW, and construction phases.
North County: 1-5/SR-14 Capacity Enhancements
A total of $85,094,900 has been programmed for projects in the subregion. This update includes funding adjustments for one project.
Santa Clarita
Reprogram $353,824 for MR501.02 - Sierra Highway Traffic Signal Improvements. The project is currently in the final design phase. The project will integrate the traffic signals into the city’s ITS to provide coordinated signal timing. The funds are being reprogrammed as follows: $60,000 in FY23-24, $250,000 in FY24-25, and $43,824 in FY25-26. The project budget remains unchanged at $565,000. Funds are being reprogrammed to match construction timeframes.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The multimodal subregional programs support the development of a safer transportation system that will provide high-quality multimodal mobility options to enable people to spend less time traveling.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The highway projects are funded from the Measure R 20% Highway Capital subfund earmarked for the subregions. FY24 funds are allocated for Arroyo Verdugo Project No.460310 and Las Virgenes-Malibu Project No. 460311 under Cost Center 0442 in Account 54001 (Subsidies to Others).
For the South Bay subregion, FY24 funds are allocated in Cost Centers 0442, 4720, 4740, Accounts 54001 (Subsidies to Others), and 50316 (Professional Services) in Projects 460312, 461312, 462312, and 463312.
For the Gateway Cities subregion, FY24 funding for the I-605 Corridor “Hot Spots” Projects is allocated to Project No. 460314, Cost Centers 4720, 0442, Account 54001 (Subsidies to Others), and account 50316 (Professional Services) in Projects 461314, 462314, 463314, 460345, 460348, 460350, and 460351. I-710 Early Action Project funds have been budgeted in Project No. 460316 in Cost Center 0442,
The remaining funds are distributed from the Measure R 20% Highway Capital subfund via funding agreements to Caltrans and the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster in the FY24 budget under Cost Center 0442 in Project No. 460330, Account 54001 (Subsidies to Others). For the North County Operational Improvements Projects (I-5/SR-14 Capacity Enhancement Line #26), the budget is included in Project No. 465501, Cost Center 0442, Account 54001 (Subsidies to Others). Moreover, programmed funds are based on estimated revenues.
Since the Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Programs are multiyear programs that contain various projects, Countywide Planning and Development will be responsible for budgeting the costs in current and future years.
Impact to Budget
This action will not impact the approved FY24 budget. Staff will rebalance the approved FY24 budget as necessary to fund the identified priorities and revisit the budgetary needs using the quarterly and mid-year adjustment processes subject to the availability of funds.
The source of funds for these projects is Measure R 20% Highway Funds. This fund source is not eligible for transit capital or operations expenses.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This semi-annual update funds subsequent phases of Board-approved Highway Subsidy grants aligned with the Measure R Board-approved guidelines and the Objectives for Multimodal Highway Investments. Complete Streets and Highways staff have also provided technical assistance to Equity Focus Communities (EFCs) in various subregions. The Highway Subsidy Grants do not have a direct equity impact; rather they offer equity opportunities via the development of transportation project improvements through city contracts that can reduce transportation disparities.
Each city and/or agency, independently and in coordination with its subregion, undertakes its jurisdictionally-determined community engagement process specific to the type of transportation improvement it seeks to develop. These locally-determined and prioritized projects represent the needs of cities. This update includes additional funding for the EFC communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Carson, Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park, Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Paramount, South Gate, and Vernon; as well as unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including the communities of East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Wilmington, and San Pedro.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports the strategic plan goal:
“Goal 1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling.”
Goal 1.1. Approval of the multimodal highway subregional programs will expand the transportation system as responsibly and quickly as possible as approved in Measure R and M to strengthen and expand LA County’s transportation system.
“Goal 4: Transform LA County through regional collaboration”
Goal 4.1. Metro will work closely with municipalities, council of governments, Caltrans to implement holistic strategies for advancing mobility goals”
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may choose not to approve the revised project list and funding allocations. However, this option is not recommended as it will delay the development of locally prioritized improvements. In addition, projects initiating or currently in the construction phase will face significant cost implications by delaying the required funding agreements, amendments, or time extensions.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Consistent with Metro’s Complete Streets Policy, staff will continue working with subregions and local jurisdictions for their consideration of multimodal investments within the Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Program. Updates will be provided to the Board on a semiannual and as-needed basis.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Projects Receiving Measure R Funds
Prepared_By
Prepared by:
Roberto Machuca, Senior Director, Complete Streets and Highways, (213) 418-3467
Michelle Smith, Executive Officer, Complete Streets and Highways, (213) 547-4368
Avital Barnea, Senior Executive Officer, Multimodal Integrated Planning, (213) 547-4317
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Ray Sosa, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 547-4274
